COGI Overview

Life. REAL People. REAL Change! REAL

People.

Change!

“When COGI was created, all I had was a disease and a desire. As we grow and work towards creating opportunities that result in equitable care, I recognize that the gaps in health policy relating to IBD and gastrointestinal diseases marginally, if at all, factor in communities of color. I have been a casualty of this."

-Melodie

Narain-Blackwell, Founder & President, Crohn's Disease Patient

Our Origin

Melodie Narain-Blackwell was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2018, after living with symptoms for over 25 years. After creating a facebook group to support a clearly identified gap, lack of inclusion of black and brown people in all areas of IBD, Color of Crohn’s and Chronic Illness (now Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses) was born. In 2020, COGI became a fully designated 501c3 organization that would lead the charge in supporting an unserved community.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.

Our Values

Ambassadors. Integrity. Compassion. Empowerment. Courage. Equity.

Our Vision

An equitable healthcare system freed from the seeds of racism, providing the space and opportunity for all individuals to be regarded as such, to have their care delivered based on needs and best opportunities for optimal outcomes.

Board of DIRECTORS

Melodie Narain-Blackwell COCCI Board Chair President & Founder, Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses

Donna Cryer, JD President & CEO, Global Liver Institute

Jeffrey Anders Government Strategies

Prince Daniels Retired NFL Player, Speaker, Entrepreneur

Julia Liu, MD Chief, Division of Gastroenterologist, Morehouse School of Medicine

Chrissy Thornton, MBA

Associated Black Charities President & CEO

Matthew Tranguch Founder, Producer & Managing Partner, ThirdEye, Growology

Sophia Balzora, MD Gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, and President & Co-Founder of The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists

Our IMPACT

#InLivingCOCCI Awareness Week Campaign global awareness to black/ brown patients living w/IBD

2021: 36k Impressions, 500+ New followers

· 2022: 112k Impressions, 1k New followers

· 2023: 107k Impressions, 300+ New Followers, 3 Live Events, 90+ Attendees 800+ Community Members

Meet The Medic is dismantling the Inferiority/Superiority complex! Patients connect with HCPs to build trust, insights and education.

Together IBD provides mental health support & access to community members who, otherwise, would not be inclined to seek out support.

Advocating for the COGI Culture (AFTCC) where Policy is For The People!

· 24 Attendees (13 States)

· Advocacy Sessions

COCCI Hill Day

Born to Be a Star increases the pipeline of research opportunities and black/brown Private Investigators

DREAM Conference Digestive Research and Education Excellence Aimed at Minorities (In partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine)

Community Conversations bring education and access to, well, COMMUNITIES!

· HBCU Edition x 7 Schools (to date), 800+ attendees, 31k Reach

· COCCI, Count Me In! Pledge: 682 Committed Pipeline: Churches, Community Centers, Clinics

Equity in GI Patient Symposium where Culture & Care collide!

· 2021: 166 Attendees (1 day, Patient Education)

2022: 200+ Attendees (2 days, CME, Patient Education, Health Equity Expo) 2023: 250+ Attendees (2 days, Patient Education, Health Equity Expo)

#WithAnOstomy Campaign is focused on highlighting black/brown patients who are thriving while currently living with, or having had, an ostomy.

2023: 15k Impressions, 1 Virtual Event in partnership with United Ostomy Associations of America

Our SPONSORS

Our PARTNERS

Our PROGRAMS Your SUPPORT